($952) Cost to ship a car from McAllen, TX to Chattanooga, TN
Fact Checked by: Quick answer: The average cost to ship a car 1,160 miles from McAllen, Texas, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, ranges from $952 to $1,406. Costs vary depending on factors like the type of vehicle, transport method, and time of year. For a more detailed quote, use our car shipping cost calculator.
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Shipping a car the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga to McAllen car shipping guide.
Our track record
Each year, 400,000+ people trust our car shipping recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:
- Founded in 2015
- 2,500+ car shipping companies analyzed
- $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
- Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
- Fact-checked for accuracy
The best McAllen to Chattanooga car shipping companies
Based on our research, here are the best car shipping companies for getting your car from McAllen to Chattanooga:
- Best for Real-Time Tracking: Nexus Auto Transport
- Best for accurate pricing: Sherpa Auto Transport
- Best for Budget-Conscious: Navi Auto Transport
- Best for Exact Pickup Dates: SGT Auto Transport
- Best Insurance Coverage: Ship A Car Direct
- GPS tracking
- Instant online quotes
- Economy option
- Ships nationwide
- Easy online scheduling
- Price Lock Promise
- Pay by credit card
- Free car wash at delivery
- No upfront deposit
- Door-to-door service
- Price matching
- One-day pickup
- New customer discount
- White-glove service
- No hidden fees
- Free online quotes
- Door-to-door service in 48 states
- Exact pickup dates
- Ships to & from HI
- Damage-free guarantee
- $500 damage or loss coverage
- No deposit
- Rental car assistance
- Inoperable car shipping
Top local car shippers in McAllen
Prefer to keep it local? Here are the top car transport companies based in McAllen, TX:
- Ceva Logistics: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- Incognito Express Llc: 3.5 out of 5 stars
- AMPM Auto Transport: 3.5 out of 5 stars
Ceva Logistics
11906 Hayter Rd, Laredo, TX 78045 US
cevalogistics.com
3.5 / 5.0
Customers appreciate the drop-and-hook nature of the service and indicate that the facility is generally good and functional, but they also express frustration regarding inefficiencies, long wait times, and some unpleasant interactions with staff.
Services Offered
- Door-to-door service
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- International shipping
- Insured shipping
- Shipment tracking
- Expedited delivery
- Storage solutions
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 187774
Incognito Express Llc
1910 Cochran Lane, Rockport, TX 78382 US
incognitoexpress.com
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- Motorcycles
Additional Information
- Pay by credit card
- DOT #: USDOT2366481
AMPM Auto Transport
302 Crossroads Loop, Laredo, TX 78045 US
ampmautotransport.com/laredo-auto-transport
3.5 / 5.0
Services Offered
- Open transport
- Enclosed transport
- Interstate shipping
- Insured shipping
- Expedited delivery
- Multi-car transport
- Classic cars
- RVs
- ATVs
- Trailers
- Motorcycles
- Heavy equipment
- Boats
- Electric vehicles
- Inoperable cars
Additional Information
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOT #: 2247310
How we chose the best car shipping companies
We analyzed 2,400 car shipping companies nationally and evaluated and rated them based on key factors using our unique system of methodology.
Here’s what we considered:
- Standard services: We looked at the types and variety of services each company provides. This includes whether they offer open transport, enclosed transport, or both. We also rated companies based on whether they have door-to-door shipping or just terminal pickup and delivery and the kinds of vehicles they ship. Companies that move RVs, motorcycles, and other specialty vehicles scored higher than those that just ship cars.
- Add-on services: We gave additional points to companies that provide special optional services like expedited shipping, guaranteed pickup times, car washes, and rental car reimbursement.
- Customer satisfaction: We analyzed consumer reviews on multiple major platforms, such as Yelp, Google, and Trustpilot to see whether a car shipping company delivers services promptly with good communication and within the estimated cost. We also evaluated each company’s standing within the car shipping industry as a whole by confirming U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) licensure and checked their membership in — and reputation with — trade associations.
- Availability: We awarded points to each company based on their service areas. Companies that are available in Alaska and Hawaii, in addition to the continental U.S., scored higher than those that just service the Lower 48 or fewer states.
- Scheduling and payment: We reviewed the ease with which customers can schedule services and estimate their costs through accurate quotes, price matching, flat-rate pricing, and other perks. Car shippers that give binding quotes or a price-lock promise got more positive rankings than those that are not as transparent with pricing.
Car shipping alternatives from TX to TN
Relocating from McAllen to Chattanooga means figuring out the best way to move your car, too. Here are the most popular car shipping options to consider, along with the pros and cons of each.
Coordinate with your movers
If you’re planning a move from McAllen to Chattanooga, many long-distance movers have partnerships with nationwide auto transporters. They’ll manage the car shipping logistics for you, but you won’t have control over which company is used or how much it costs.
Drive your car
There are plenty of pros and cons to consider before driving instead of shipping your car. A 1,160-mile trip from McAllen to Chattanooga could turn into a fun travel experience and reduce expenses. Still, you’ll add significant mileage and could encounter bad weather and driving conditions.
Use a driving service
Another possibility is paying someone to drive your car from Texas to Tennessee. While convenient, it can be costly, and you’ll want to thoroughly vet the driver before handing over your keys in McAllen. No matter who drives, your car will still rack up extra miles on the way to Chattanooga.
Ship your car via train
Rail shipping offers a cost-effective and secure way to move your car to Chattanooga, and it’s particularly practical if your household items are also traveling by train. In fact, it’s the cheapest shipping option for vehicles. Just be aware that this approach has limited service locations and takes more time than other transport methods.
Factors affecting McAllen to Chattanooga car shipping costs
When transporting your vehicle from McAllen to Chattanooga, these factors will influence the cost:
Transport method
If you’re moving a car from McAllen to Chattanooga, your options include open, enclosed, and top-loaded shipping. Each service has pros and cons depending on your situation.
Open carriers from McAllen tend to be the most budget-friendly, while enclosed transport is better for protecting luxury or classic cars. To help you decide on the right choice for your move to Chattanooga, see our detailed guide on open vs. enclosed transport.
Vehicle size and type
Your shipping costs out of McAllen will be determined in large part by what kind of car you have. As you might guess, the bigger the vehicle, the more it will cost. This is simply because it takes up more space and adds more weight to the carrier. So, a full-size SUV will be more expensive to ship to Chattanooga than a compact car.
Distance and route
In general, the greater the distance, the higher the price tag. Shipping costs rise with mileage because of fuel, labor, tolls, and upkeep. That’s why sending your car 1,160 miles from McAllen to Chattanooga is likely more expensive than moving it a short distance within Texas.
Where you’re headed matters, too. Expect lower costs along busy highway routes and higher ones for remote locations.
The time of the year
Both seasonal trends and local weather in McAllen and Chattanooga can influence what you’ll pay for car shipping.
Consider moving to McAllen city on November, March and February. The city has two distinct seasons; a wet season from May to October and a dry season from November to April.
May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months.
High-demand periods such as summer and the winter holidays often drive up prices. If you plan to ship your car from McAllen to Chattanooga during these busy times, expect higher costs due to increased demand.
Fuel prices
Fluctuating fuel prices are one of the biggest elements affecting car shipping costs. On the 1,160-mile drive between McAllen and Chattanooga, even small changes at the pump can make a difference. When fuel rates rise, so do shipping charges.
Delivery expectations
Auto shippers sometimes offer reduced rates if you’re open to flexible delivery dates. On average, shipping from McAllen to Chattanooga takes two to eight days. Opting for flexibility can save you money, but expedited service provides quicker transport at an added cost.
Comparing McAllen and Chattanooga vehicle regulations
Parking permits
- McAllen: Make sure to check with the City of McAllen for details about parking permits and restrictions that you should know about before your move to McAllen.
- Chattanooga: Chattanooga city code requires that no person shall construct a driveway across any sidewalk or cut or drop any curb within the city without first obtaining a permit from the city engineer. And the location of all curb cuts, points of ingress and egress from all streets, parking and loading areas for all uses shall be approved by the traffic engineer before a building permit shall be issued. You may apply for a permit by completing this permit and emailing it to [email protected].
Car insurance requirements
- McAllen: Every driver in Texas is mandated to have liability insurance known as 30/60/25 coverage. However, this minimum requirement may fall short in adequately covering the aftermath of a moderately severe accident. The basic policy offers $30,000 for individual injury coverage, up to $60,000 for injury coverage per accident, and provides up to $25,000 for property damage.
- Chattanooga: Tennessee drivers need to fulfill liability insurance criteria of 25/50/15 ($25,000 for individual bodily injury, $50,000 for total bodily injury per accident, and $15,000 for property damage per accident). Valid proof of insurance is crucial for registration and may be requested by law enforcement during traffic stops. Motorists have the flexibility to choose additional coverage for an added layer of vehicle protection.
Vehicle inspections
- McAllen: In Texas, vehicles undergo annual safety inspections covering brakes, lights, steering, tires, etc. Some qualify for a two-year cycle.
- Chattanooga: In Tennessee, vehicles must pass annual safety and emissions inspection. Cost is around $15 and more information can be found at Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security's website.
Driver’s license
- McAllen: New residents are required to obtain a Texas driver license from the Texas Department of Public Safety within 90 days of moving to the state.
- Chattanooga: To obtain a driver's license in Tennessee, individuals must be at least 15 years old (with a Learner's Permit) or 16 years old (with a regular driver's license), pass written, vision and driving tests, provide proof of identity, residency, legal presence, and social security number, pass a medical examination if required, pay the required fee, Hold the Learner's Permit for at least 180 days before taking the skills test for the driver's license and comply with the graduated licensing system restrictions for the first 6 months.
FAQ
How much does it cost to ship a car from McAllen to Chattanooga?
The cost to ship a car from McAllen, TX to Chattanooga, TN varies based on several factors, including the type of transport (open vs. enclosed car shipping), vehicle size and weight, and the current fuel prices. On average, transporting your vehicle from McAllen to Chattanooga will range from $952 to $1,406.
How long will it take to ship my car from McAllen to Chattanooga?
It will take approximately two to eight days to ship your car the 1,160 miles from McAllen to Chattanooga. If you need it quicker, ask your shipper about expedited delivery.
What’s the cheapest way to ship my car from McAllen to Chattanooga?
An open-transport car carrier is the cheapest way to ship your car from McAllen to Chattanooga. However, there are other methods. Read our post on the cheapest way to ship a car to learn more.
Is it cheaper to ship my car or drive it from McAllen to Chattanooga?
It is generally cheaper to drive your car from McAllen to Chattanooga than to ship it. However, when deciding whether to drive your car or ship it, you need to factor in related costs like maintenance fees that could result from the additional wear-and-tear on your vehicle during the 1,160-mile trip. Long-distance trips also involve food and possibly lodging, which can add up quickly.
We recommend that you reach out to at least a few of the top car shippers to ask about seasonal rates and auto transport discounts. You can also use our car shipping calculator to quickly generate and compare quotes from multiple companies.
